Heroku vs Supabase — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Heroku and Supabase to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Supabase takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for developers who want a firebase-like experience with real postgresql and open-source flexibility.. Heroku (3.8) is the better pick if you need teams already invested in the heroku ecosystem and workflow..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Heroku | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 3.8(345) | ★★★★★ 4.5(234) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starter Price | $5/mo (Eco dyno) | $25/mo (Pro) |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | web | web |
| Learning Curve | easy | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Teams already invested in the Heroku ecosystem and workflow. | Developers who want a Firebase-like experience with real PostgreSQL and open-source flexibility. |
| Verdict | consider_alternatives | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Heroku | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Git-push deployment | — | |
| Buildpack auto-detection | — | |
| Add-on marketplace | — | |
| Managed PostgreSQL | — | |
| Horizontal scaling | — | |
| Review apps | — | |
| PostgreSQL database with dashboard | — | |
| Authentication (email, social, magic links) | — | |
| File storage with CDN | — | |
| Real-time subscriptions | — | |
| Edge functions | — | |
| Row Level Security | — |
Heroku
Pros
- ✓Pioneer of PaaS — the deployment experience is polished
- ✓Add-on marketplace provides managed services for everything
- ✓Buildpacks support every major language and framework
Cons
- ✕No free tier since 2022
- ✕More expensive than modern alternatives for equivalent features
- ✕Innovation has stalled under Salesforce ownership
Supabase
Pros
- ✓Real PostgreSQL — no proprietary database lock-in
- ✓Auth, storage, and real-time included out of the box
- ✓Open source with self-hosting option
Cons
- ✕Complex queries can be challenging through the client library
- ✕Free tier projects pause after inactivity
- ✕Edge functions are newer and less mature than Firebase functions
The Bottom Line
Both Heroku and Supabase are solid tools in the Developer Tools space. Supabase edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 3.8) and is the better choice for developers who want a firebase-like experience with real postgresql and open-source flexibility.. However, if you prioritize teams already invested in the heroku ecosystem and workflow., Heroku is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.